BURTON MORRIS - THE GODFATHER DESK PRINT

 

Discover our collection now on exhibit The Art of Moviemaking: The Godfather features a wide array of original objects from The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974), offering an exciting glimpse into the process of making a masterpiece. Director Francis Ford Coppola’s interpretation of Mario Puzo’s popular novel provided an operatic and poignant reflection on the American dream, making the films an instant phenomenon that not only radically transformed the moviegoing experience, but also moviemaking in the 1970s. From costumes to props to scripts and equipment, these materials—many on view for the first time—highlight the contributions of several cinematic branches, and how they innovated amid the changing landscape of Hollywood.

 

The Art of Moviemaking: The Godfather is located on Level 2 of the Stories of Cinema exhibition and is curated by Assistant Curator Sophia Serrano with support from Curatorial Assistant Esme Douglas and in collaboration with Paramount Pictures and American Zoetrope.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

 

The artist established the Burton Morris Studios in 1990. That year he began making his small post-Pop icons more impressive by enlarging them onto canvas. He also tightened his brushwork into his present precise style. He would choose one subject per composition to create what he calls “an instant happening” for the viewer.

 

In 1993, Absolut Vodka selected his artwork to represent Pennsylvania for its prestigious Absolut Statehood campaign. His artwork became part of the Absolut collection, and was showcased alongside fellow Pennsylvania natives Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. In 1994 his paintings began to hang on the hit NBC television sitcom “Friends”, which continued to showcase his artwork for over ten seasons in the colorful Central Perk coffee shop. The success of the show becoming a global pop phenomenon, helped establish Burton’s style and artwork into todays pop culture.

 

Over the years, Burton has produced signature artworks for some of the biggest events in the world, such as the Summer Olympic Games, The 76th Annual Academy Awards, The MLB All-Star Game, The 38th Montreux Jazz Festival, The FIFA World Cup Soccer, The One Young World Summit Conference and the USGA U.S.Open. Original artworks have been commissioned for corporations and institutions such as The United Nations, Coca Cola Corporation, Ford Motors, Sony, H.J. Heinz, Chanel Corporation, Rolex, The U.S. State Department, Samsung, Warner Brothers, Lincoln Center, Shake Shack, Perrier, Nongshim, AT&T, Microsoft, and Kellogg’s.

 

Morris' artwork is featured in the collections of The Albright-Knox Museum, The Jimmy Carter Center, The Elysée Museum, The United Nations, The Barack Obama Presidential Center, The World of Coca-Cola Museum, Chanel Paris, and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Collectors of his work include notable icons Brad Pitt, Tommy Hilfiger, Oprah Winfrey, Stan Lee, Roy Disney, Ralph Lauren, John Travolta, Andre Agassi, Emeril Lagasse and President Barack Obama to name a few.

 

In addition, his artwork has helped to raise millions of dollars for charities worldwide.